Thailand's Chai Lai Orchid resort

CaptionChai Lai Orchid

Jeff Greenwald / For The Times

The Chai Lai Orchid is one of the more unusual resorts in this overgrown part of northern Thailand. Owner Alexa Pham and her high-spirited local partner, Puang, have created a small but welcoming retreat that feels more like a home stay than a hotel.

The Chai Lai Orchid is one of the more unusual resorts in this overgrown part of northern Thailand. Owner Alexa Pham and her high-spirited local partner, Puang, have created a small but welcoming retreat that feels more like a home stay than a hotel. (Jeff Greenwald / For The Times)

Elephants make their way on a path along the Mae Wang River. The Chai Lai features all the signature activities of this popular area: rafting, hiking to hill tribe villages, raft rides and bareback elephant trekking (a full-body tactile experience not to be missed).

Elephants make their way on a path along the Mae Wang River. The Chai Lai features all the signature activities of this popular area: rafting, hiking to hill tribe villages, raft rides and bareback elephant trekking (a full-body tactile experience not to be missed). (Jeff Greenwald / For The Times)